Daylight saving time creates ‘social jet lag.’ A sleep expert explains how to reset your circadian rhythm

Yes, it’s that time of year again, when most of the U.S. “gains” an extra hour of sleep as we “fall back” from daylight savings to shorter days, colder nights, and standard time.

This Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m local time, we will turn back our clocks to 1 a.m—and that will last until March 8, 2026 (when we will once again usher in daylight saving time).

Although getting an extra hour of sleep sounds like a win, here’s what really happens to your health when the clocks change.

Darker nights disrupt the body’s natural clock

Darker evenings actually disrupt our body’s natural circadian rhythm, our mood, and our metabolism, according to Dr. Zaid Fadul, CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD.

“Light is your body’s main ‘time-giver’ that sets your internal clock,” said Fadul, whose practice special